Fort de la Platte
France, europe
N/A
2,009 m
hard
Year-round
# Fort de la Platte: A Wild Alpine Adventure
Perched at a breathtaking 2,009 meters (6,591 feet) in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Rhône-Alpes region, Fort de la Platte is an absolute gem for adventurous drivers. This 19th-century military fortress, constructed between 1892 and 1894, sits at the end of one seriously challenging road that'll test your driving skills and nerve.
Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday cruise. The route to the fortress is a gravel affair that climbs steeply through relentless hairpin turns on a ribbon-thin path. Once the rain starts falling or snow begins to stick, you can forget about it—the road becomes completely impassable. Honestly, a 4x4 vehicle isn't just recommended; it's pretty much essential if you want to make it to the top in one piece.
But here's the thing—if you've got the guts and the right vehicle, the payoff is absolutely worth it. The dramatic alpine scenery and the sheer adrenaline rush of conquering this notorious route make it an unforgettable experience for those willing to embrace the challenge.
Where is it?
Fort de la Platte is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.7183, 2.8218
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,009 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.7183, 2.8218
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Costila Peak?
🇷🇴 Romania
Romania's Coștila Peak is seriously high, clocking in at 8,152 feet! You'll find it nestled in the Bucegi Mountains, a truly stunning area. What's up there? A massive radio relay tower, reaching a combined altitude of 8,448 feet, making it the highest point accessible by road in the country. It's been broadcasting radio and TV signals far and wide since 1961. Building this thing was no joke! Construction took ages, with materials hauled up the mountain using a cable car (that's no longer running) and even tracked vehicles. The team even had to blast into the rock to create the foundation. It was once a strategic military site, guarded around the clock. Now, it's surrounded by a fence. Thinking of driving up? The road, called Drumul Coștila, is unpaved and starts from the end of the paved DN714. It’s just over 5 miles, but it's incredibly steep. Word of caution: because of snow and ice, it's usually impassable from late October until late June. Plus, it's closed to private vehicles.
hardHow long is Road F586?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: Iceland's west coast, a 4x4, and you. Road F586, or Haukadalsskarðsvegur if you're feeling fancy, is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking 34.8 km (21.62 miles) of pure, unadulterated Icelandic wilderness. You'll kick things off from Road 60, heading east, and the real fun begins. Think rough, unpaved tracks, the kind that separate the adventurers from the tourists. We're talking potholes big enough to swallow a small car, ruts that'll test your steering skills, and boulders just chilling in the middle of the road. Seriously, leave the rental hatchback at home. You'll climb up and over the, well, nameless mountain pass, before descending into Hrutafjordur towards Road 1. Heads up, you'll need to pass through a gate to get onto F586 if you're coming from the Ring Road. Just a heads up – this beauty is strictly a summer fling, usually open from late June to early September. You'll be fording a narrow river multiple times (ankle-deep at most), so waterproof boots are your friend. And the scenery? Forget postcards, this is the real Iceland. Epic landscapes, a winding track beside a river, and solitude that'll make you forget your Instagram password. Speaking of which, signal can be spotty, and other people are scarcer than sunshine in November. So, make sure your rig is in tip-top shape before you head out. This road is remote, but the reward is an unforgettable taste of Iceland's raw beauty.
hardCan I drive to Männlichen?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Swiss Alps, in the stunning Jungfrau region, ready for an adventure! You're headed to Männlichen, a peak soaring to 2,343m (7,687ft) in the Canton of Berne. Now, here's the thing: you can't actually *drive* all the way to the very top in your own vehicle. The Männlichen Royal Walk, the road to the summit, is unpaved and closed to private cars. But don't let that stop you! Getting to the area is half the fun. The views of the Jungfrau massif and Bernese Alps on the way are seriously breathtaking. And trust me, Männlichen is worth it for those views alone. If you want to explore more of the immediate area in a vehicle, the road that technically leads to the summit is a short but mighty 750m stretch from Berghaus Männlichen. Just be warned, it's crazy steep, maxing out at a 16% gradient! You'll climb 81 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 10.8%. It’s a dead end, so you have to come back down the same way. Get ready for some seriously unforgettable Alpine views!
hardMont Tauch
🇫🇷 France
# Mont Tauch: A Thrilling Climb in Southern France Ready for a proper workout? Mont Tauch is a mountain pass sitting at 871 meters (2,857 feet) in the Aude department of southern France, and it's every bit the challenge it looks. Starting from the charming town of Tuchan, you've got an 8-kilometer climb ahead of you. Now, this isn't your leisurely Sunday drive—we're talking serious elevation gain of 729 meters with an average gradient of 9.1%. But here's the kicker: the steepest sections hit a gnarly 20%, which means you'll really feel your legs working (whether you're cycling or just driving it). The road itself is paved, which is a bonus, but it's definitely on the narrow side and doesn't mess around with its pitch. You'll need focus and steady hands on the wheel as you snake your way up. When you finally crest the summit, you'll find a communication tower standing sentinel at the top—a fitting landmark for conquering this beast. The scenery along the way makes every hairpin turn worth it, offering views across the Aude landscape that'll remind you why you took on this challenge in the first place.